Young Anakin Skywalker Star’s Mother Talks About Her Son's Schizophrenia

The Star Wars franchise might be one of the largest and most successful film franchises in Hollywood history, but the galaxy far, far away does have a dark side of its own. Star Wars fans can be passionate and enthusiastic, but they can also exhibit toxic behaviors, bullying the cast and crew of Star Wars films and series that they don't really agree with.

Young Anakin Skywalker star Jake Lloyd was one of those that fans bullied and harassed. Fans weren't particularly fond of the prequel trilogy, especially Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, a film which was criticized heavily by fans and by critics. Lloyd's portrayal of Star Wars' young Anakin Skywalker was met with contempt and criticism, and fans would berate the young star endlessly for the role that he took on when he was just ten years old.

Now 30 years old, Lloyd battles with paranoid schizophrenia. Speaking in an interview with Geek News Now, Lloyd's mother Lisa gives an update on the struggle that the young Anakin Skywalker star has to face dealing with his illness and with the death of his younger sister, Madison.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, their support, and goodwill. Jake has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but unfortunately, he also has a symptom called anosognosia which causes a lack of insight into his illness. This only adds to the struggle he faces, which has been very difficult after the tragic loss of his younger sister, Madison. He has moved closer to his family and we are all working hard to help him with this. He is still a kind and caring person and we hope to have him back to his fun and entertaining self as soon as possible. Jake will continue to make progress with the love and support you continue to show."

Though young Anakin Skywalker wasn't the best character in The Phantom Menace, we hate that Star Wars fans went as far as personally attacking and bullying a young child just because they didn't like the actor's character. We can only wonder how the harassment could have any effect on schizophrenia.

Luckily, it seems like there are fans who continue to support Lloyd, and we hope that the rest of the fanbase shows their kindness to the actor.

Star Wars' latest release, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is currently screening in cinemas.

Read: Solo Director Ron Howard Isn't Sure About Directing an Episode of The Mandalorian